The Energon Pub

News Credits: 6188 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:24 pm

We've just received news from The Hub Network confirming the new animated Transformers TV series, due to debut in 2015. The series will feature an aesthetic blended from elements of both Rescue Bots and Prime, to which it sort of plays a sequel, and will feature voice actor Will Friedle returning as the main hero: Bumblebee. Check out our first look at the character art below, and the press release!

LOS ANGELES - The Hub Network, champions of family fun and the only network dedicated to providing kids and their families entertainment they can watch together, announced today that a new animated series is currently in production for the globally renowned TRANSFORMERS brand. Set to debut in early 2015, the new action-packed series is being produced by Hasbro Studios, the production and distribution division of Hasbro, Inc., and is executive produced by Jeff Kline ("Transformers Prime," "G.I. Joe Renegades").

Taking place years after the battle between Autobots and Decepticons in "Transformers Prime," this all new series centers around our hero Bumblebee stepping up to lead a brand new team of Autobots. The show features an all-star cast with Will Friedle ("Boy Meets World") returning as Bumblebee, along with Darren Criss ("Glee"), Constance Zimmer ("House of Cards") and Ted McGinley ("Married with Children"). Blending 3D characters with hand-painted environments, the series mixes action-packed adventure with lots of comedy, making it a rip-roaring experience for kids and families to enjoy together.

This is a big year as the TRANSFORMERS brand celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Hub Network will also be celebrating the success of the franchise with special events to be announced later this year.

TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. © 2014. Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.

About the Hub Network

The Hub Network is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) that champions family fun by providing relatable, funny, family friendly entertainment experiences that children and their parents can enjoy together. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub Network's lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies. The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at HubNetwork.com. The Hub Network rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and is available in nearly 71 million U.S. households. The Hub Network logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

To find the channel in your area, please visit HubNetwork.com and check the channel locator at the top of the page.

Visit the Hub Network on Social Media:

Facebook at Facebook.com/HubTVNetwork

Twitter @HubTVNetwork

Instagram @HubTVNetwork

YouTube at YouTube.com/HubTVNetwork

Note: For artwork, visit press.discovery.com/us/Hub/

About Hasbro Studios

Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS). The studio is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling for the company across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. It develops, produces and distributes TV shows based on Hasbro's world class brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Many of these shows air on Hub Network, a U.S. television network for kids and their families, that is a joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Hasbro Studios shows can also be seen on networks in more than 180 countries globally. Since its formation in 2009, the studio has received seven Daytime Emmy wins and 16 nominations. On the film side, the studio is developing and producing a number of features based on Hasbro's brands, including TRANSFORMERS 4 (Paramount), G.I. JOE 3 (Paramount) and Ouiji (Universal Pictures). The studio team also oversees the production of commercials that feature Hasbro's brands as well production of short-form content that can be seen on all of the major digital and social media platforms globally.

News Credits: 5 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:30 pm

Wasn't a fan of the Prime designs, and this really caries over that aesthetic. But I really want to reserve my judgement until I see it

News Credits: 462 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:31 pm

I am overjoyed by this news.

Will Friedle has been the best Bumblebee we've had in recent years (sorry Johnny, but we still love ya) and his Bee being in charge sounds very cool.

I've never been sick of Bee in the fiction. Only in the toy aisles. So this is a positive in my book.

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:31 pm

I would say that actually bears more of a similar look to Transformers Animated. I like it!

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:37 pm

I sort of guessed we were going to see something that's related to the Aligned universe since it's been said that it's set to last for a decade. I was right in that regard with this being a sequel. I like how this is now centering on Bumblebee learning to be a leader for a team of new characters. Hopefully it'll make up for him not playing a large enough role in Prime with the exception for the last episode of TFP and Predacons Rising. I hope we'll get to see the other cast of Prime return as either cameos or future main characters even both.

As for the style it's like if Prime Bumblebee got mixed with his Rescue bots version along with Prime Smokescreen. Should be interesting to see what the other characters are like.

News Credits: 26 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:37 pm

The concept is interesting, hope wthey pull it off nicely, as for Bee as the leader, being a sequel to Prime, I'm okay with it, and this design looks cybertronian, there's nothing on it that looks like an earth vehicle, so far, I like it but...I hate when they don't give him his stubby horns, makes him look bald somehow.
And also, all-new Autobot cast? :-?

News Credits: 251 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:41 pm

Not sure how much I dig that design. :???:

So basically, he's Rodimus Prime now. Meh, kinda what I expected, since Optimus is... y'know, one with the Allspark.

Three-dimensional characters on a hand-painted background? The return of EnergonCybertron animation! :grin:

Sabrblade wrote:I've never been sick of Bee in the fiction. Only in the toy aisles. So this is a positive in my book.

This is the best way of describing my relationship with Bumblebee: good character overall in most cases, but because of the overzealous attitude Hasbro seems to have on Bumblebee, I tend to groan and roll my eyes at the mere mention of the yellow dude. :roll:

Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:43 pm

I'm actually looking forward to this! I hope Shockwave has part in this! It is only logical.

News Credits: 6 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:54 pm

••• DISCLAIMER: This is my preliminary opinion, nothing more, and will likely change once the other characters have been revealed and we learn more about the show, so please don't yell at me. |:|

***

Well, this is . . . . . interesting.

Never a fan of the style of Animated, but totally loved the aesthetics of Prime.

Bee is a great character, always has been. But with him as the leader, I am unconvinced.

Two quotes come to mind (oddly, both connected to Ultra Magnus, but still . . . )

1: "I'm just a soldier. I'm not worthy."

and

2: "You are no Optimus Prime."

Again, just my initial reaction. We'll see what happens when more is revealed.

News Credits: 462 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:01 pm

Jones wrote:Bee is a great character, always has been. But with him as the leader, I am unconvinced.

Two quotes come to mind (oddly, both connected to Ultra Magnus, but still . . . )

1: "I'm just a soldier. I'm not worthy."

and

2: "You are no Optimus Prime."

That's the best part! He's not Optimus, nor does he see himself as worthy. It's been too long since we've gotten a young, inexperienced (in a leadership role), humble leader in these shows, with the last one being Animated Optimus from six years ago.

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:14 pm

I really liked TFA and this has a TFA vibe to me.

I remain cautiously optimistic. :-?

News Credits: 4 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:18 pm

looks like Animated and Prime had a little robo-baby. I don't mind it, want to see more, since Bee's going to be fairly generic these days what with how cross-brand he is. Bit more info on the story and characters (and other voice actors) will help up my excitement too, but Prime was a pretty great show and GI Joe Renegades was damn good too.

News Credits: 6 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:21 pm

Sabrblade wrote:
Jones wrote:Bee is a great character, always has been. But with him as the leader, I am unconvinced.

Two quotes come to mind (oddly, both connected to Ultra Magnus, but still . . . )

1: "I'm just a soldier. I'm not worthy."

and

2: "You are no Optimus Prime."
That's the best part! He's not Optimus, nor does he see himself as worthy. It's been too long since we've gotten a young, inexperienced (in a leadership role), humble leader in these shows, with the last one being Animated Optimus from six years ago.

Yeah, I see all that. But still...

This premise will undoubtedly be a home-run with many fans, and change/progress for the brand isn't a bad thing. But even within that, I guess I just am one of those fans that desires to see the eternal conflict between Optimus and Megatron remain eternal. Again, I fully admit that it's way to early to cast definitive judgement on the series based on one pic and a short plot blurb. Time will tell.

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:24 pm

Ok, first with Bumblee's design... I'm not a fan so far. I hated the Animated asthetic (I know, I know), and this seems all too familiar. Also, his head looks like it should belong to Megatron, which is just awkward.

Secondly, as for the show... While I'm curious about it, and like the idea of a rookie taking over as leadership (in fact love the idea), I feel like they're missing a big chance and not going with Smokescreen, since Prime set that up perfectly. Bumblebee seems forced (although fully expected), if this is a true sequel.

But I'm by no means writing this off, I'll give it a chance. I'm just not as excited as I was when details for Prime started to emerge.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:27 pm

So if bee is the new leader then who will be the main villain? megatron is no longer evil and I assume starscream got killed by the predacons, so that leaves only shockwave and arachnid.

News Credits: 462 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:32 pm

Bubbah wrote:Secondly, as for the show... While I'm curious about it, and like the idea of a rookie taking over as leadership (in fact love the idea), I feel like they're missing a big chance and not going with Smokescreen, since Prime set that up perfectly. Bumblebee seems forced (although fully expected), if this is a true sequel.

Ah, but that's the thing. Smokescreen would have been the predictable choice, yet they took a more original route instead. After all, Predacons Rising had Smokescreen recognize Bumblebee as more fitting for a leadership role than he was, despite having almost been a Prime. That showed how far Smokescreen had matured since his grumbling over not taking the chance to earn the Matrix.

And, who knows, maybe Bee isn't the leader of every Autobot, but only of his team. Smokescreen and the rest of Team Prime could all possibly be leaders of their own respective units instead of there being a single overall leader overseeing everyone. After all, Optimus said that the Age of Primes had come to an end, with no more Primes to lead over everyone possibly setting up an order of multiple bots in seats of authority, rather than just Bumblebee. :-B

News Credits: 37 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:32 pm

This is the first time I've ever looked at a design for a TF series and said to myself, "This is going to be balls..."

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:35 pm

Sabrblade wrote:
Bubbah wrote:Secondly, as for the show... While I'm curious about it, and like the idea of a rookie taking over as leadership (in fact love the idea), I feel like they're missing a big chance and not going with Smokescreen, since Prime set that up perfectly. Bumblebee seems forced (although fully expected), if this is a true sequel.
Ah, but that's the thing. Smokescreen would have been the predictable choice, yet they took a more original route instead. After all, Predacons Rising had Smokescreen recognize Bumblebee as more fitting for a leadership role than he was, despite having almost been a Prime. That showed how far Smokescreen had matured since his grumbling over not taking the chance to earn the Matrix.

And, who knows, maybe Bee isn't the leader of every Autobot, but only of his team. Smokescreen and the rest of Team Prime could all possibly be leaders of their own respective units instead of there being a single overall leader overseeing everyone. After all, Optimus said that the Age of Primes had come to an end, with no more Primes to lead over everyone possibly setting up an order of multiple bots in seats of authority, rather than just Bumblebee.

This right here, ladies and gentlemen, is why we love Sabrblade :BOWDOWN:

News Credits: 7 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:42 pm

Cautiously optimistic. It sounds kinda like the show I've been wanting (new

leader, comedic), though Prime left me burned and "Blending 3D characters with hand-painted environments" reminds me uncomfortably of Energon/Cybertron.

I kinda wish Prime actually used BB more, though, if he's to get a huge part now. We got to see Cheetor grow from little cootie-fearing kid to a mature, responsible leader between Beast Wars and Machines, but we really aren't getting anything like that with BB. Oh well.

News Credits: 402 · Updated Oct 21, 2022

I'm interested to see where this goes, It's far too soon to make any judgements based on a single character portrait.

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:44 pm

Not sure what to make of this. :-?

I loved the aesthetic of Prime but really hated animated, so I guess this leaves me at meh?

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:51 pm

Sabrblade wrote:
Bubbah wrote:Secondly, as for the show... While I'm curious about it, and like the idea of a rookie taking over as leadership (in fact love the idea), I feel like they're missing a big chance and not going with Smokescreen, since Prime set that up perfectly. Bumblebee seems forced (although fully expected), if this is a true sequel.
Ah, but that's the thing. Smokescreen would have been the predictable choice, yet they took a more original route instead. After all, Predacons Rising had Smokescreen recognize Bumblebee as more fitting for a leadership role than he was, despite having almost been a Prime. That showed how far Smokescreen had matured since his grumbling over not taking the chance to earn the Matrix.

And, who knows, maybe Bee isn't the leader of every Autobot, but only of his team. Smokescreen and the rest of Team Prime could all possibly be leaders of their own respective units instead of there being a single overall leader overseeing everyone. After all, Optimus said that the Age of Primes had come to an end, with no more Primes to lead over everyone possibly setting up an order of multiple bots in seats of authority, rather than just Bumblebee.

Now this I'd like to see, no single leader, but rather leaders of different teams. I'm just a bit leery of more Bumblebee overkill. I'm like you, it's not so much in the shows, but all the other marketing that has made me grow tired of the poor guy. On the plus side, I'm really glad to hear Friedle coming back to voice him!

News Credits: 1 · Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:52 pm

... so is this ACTUALLY bumblebee, or an ILLUSTRATION of bumblebee? I.e. is he going to be cell shaded like this suggests, or is this just a drawing of what the final render might roughly look like?

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:53 pm

I'm not really sure how I feel about the art style on this, so far. It's certainly not terrible, and I did enjoy the Prime art style, but I would have preferred something more... new, I guess. I dunno.

Also, Bumblebee leading the Autobots instead of Optimus? So long as they don't bring Optimus back in some hamfisted way... or any way at all, for that matter, I think I'll like this. I just want to see a change from the status quot of Optimus being immune to death. Also a new leader's personality will help, like with Hot Rod in MTMTE.

Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:53 pm

The only thing that has me worried about this is that it says it is going to be a more comedic series. While I do enjoy silly takes on Transformers, the Prime people thought that Miko was good comic relief.